I'm so sad to hear of the murder of my Parliamentary colleague, Jo Cox MP, today.
Jo was attacked in broad daylight, close to her regular 'advice surgery' in the Batley and Spen constituency. Our democracy only exists if Members of Parliament - whatever their views, whatever their political party - have the right to work for their constituents and our country without fear of violence.
It is a shame that it has come to this. Many MPs have repeatedly told the security authori...ties in Parliament that they are wrong to believe MPs are not in any real danger and overreact to threats. Today's awful events show that these threats can be very real.
My thoughts and prayers - and, I'm sure, those of all in North East Hampshire - are with Jo's family and friends at this terrible time.